The University of Bergen (UiB) is an internationally recognised research university with more than 14,000 students and close to 3,500 employees at six faculties. The university is located in the heart of Bergen. Our main contribution to society is excellent basic research and education across a wide range of disciplines.

At the Department of Biology (http://www.uib.no/bio/en) / Centre for Geobiology (http://www.uib.no/geobio/en) a 3 year position as a postdoctoral fellow is available within the field of marine biogeochemistry and microbiology. The position is funded by the Norwegian Research Council through the project “Vulnerable habitats and species in petroleum resource management: impact of sediment exposure on sponge grounds (SedExSponge)” coordinated by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR). Knowledge provided in this project will enable Norwegian and international authorities to manage the development of petroleum activities and to coordinate utilisation of petroleum resources with other usage and protection of the marine environment.

The postdoctoral position is a fixed-term post, the chief objective being to qualify the selected candidate for work in senior positions in their disciplines. The term of employment for this position is 3 years. It is not possible for any person to work under more than one temporary appointment as postdoctoral fellow for the same institution.

The position will be located at the Centre for Geobiology (http://www.uib.no/geobio/en), a Norwegian Centre of Excellence jointly managed by the Departments of Earth Sciences and Biology. The research themes at CGB include studies of ecosystems on hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, geodynamics of the deep-sea, water-rock-microbe interactions, the deep biosphere, biosignatures and the roots of life. More information about the centre can be found at http://www.uib.no/geobio/en

Applicants must have achieved a Norwegian doctorate or equivalent education abroad in a relevant field (biogeochemistry, microbiology, geosciences, marine biology), or have presented the dissertation for assessment by the closing date for applications. It is a prerequisite that the dissertation has been approved before appointment is granted.

The successful candidate will explore the impact of increased sediment exposure on the activity of sponge-associated microbes. The main task will be to quantify changes in key sponge microbial processes and associated nutrient fluxes. The candidate will also participate in research cruises and lab-based experiments, which will be conducted by IMR.

Applicants must have experience in at least one of the following fields and methods:

• Microbial processes in biogeochemical cycles, especially nitrogen and sulphur cycle
• In situ quantification of microbial processes with isotope probing, especially denitrification and anammox rates (15N), sulphate reduction rates (35S) and anaerobic oxidation of methane (14C)
• Work experience with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and/or with radioactive isotopes

In addition, the candidate should show the following qualifications or interests:

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary context
• Proved ability to conduct independent research
• Experience with marine field work
• Research experience with microbial symbiosis, especially sponge microbiology
• Experience with environmental policies and management

The postdoctoral fellow will be integrated in different projects within the research themes of the center and will be part of a well-established working group of researchers, PhD- and master students.

A project plan and a progress plan will be written in cooperation with the research group on appointment. It is a premise that the selected candidate will complete the project within the stipulated period of employment. The project proposal and progress plan shall (sic: form part of) be annexed to the employment contract, and shall include the name of the person who is to be the discipline advisor for the selected candidate.

Starting salary on grade 57 (code 1352/pay framework 24.1) in the Civil Service pay grade table; currently NOK 473,400 gross p.a. following ordinary meriting regulations (wage range 57- 65). In the case of particularly highly qualified applicants a higher salary may be considered.

For more information about the project and the position please contact Associate Professor Friederike Hoffmann, tel. +47 55 58 20 88 / e-mail: Friederike.Hoffmann@gfi.uib.no, or Researcher Hans Tore Rapp, tel. +47 55 58 44 13 / e-mail: Hans.Rapp@bio.uib.no

The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at any time.

State employment shall reflect the multiplicity of the population at large to the highest possible degree. We have therefore adopted a personnel policy objective to ensure that we achieve a balanced age and sex composition and the recruitment of persons of various ethnic backgrounds. Persons of different ethnic backgrounds are therefore encouraged to apply for the position.

The University of Bergen applies the principles of public openness when recruiting staff to scientific positions. Hence, the evaluation committee`s report will be disclosed (in full detail, and not anonymous) to all of the applicants.

Information about the applicant may be made public even though the applicant has requested not to be named in the list of applicants. The applicant will be notified if his/her request is not respected.

Application, CV and scanned copies of diplomas and transcripts, testimonials and a complete list of all publications should be sent by clicking on the button marked “APPLY NOW” on this page.

Certified English or Scandinavian translations of supporting documentation, such as diplomas and transcripts, are required.

The application should contain a statement of research interests including specific motivation for the position as well as the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications sent by e-mail to random individuals at the department will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 15 August 2013

Quote reference number: 2013/7232